Friday, April 7, 2017

WITH THE GRANDSONS IN SAN FRANCISCO..THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

To continue our adventure in San Francisco with the grandsons we'll explore the truly amazing California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. I've loved visiting Golden Gate Park for as long as I remember! We took Paxton & Logan last week, and grandson Owen last year. The blue rimmed building is the "Academy of Sciences" and across the park is the modern "De Young Museum."

The Renzo Piano designed "California Academy of Sciences" was completely rebuilt in 2008. It has a 2 1/2 acre living roof.

Marla and Owen heading for the museum on our trip last year.

Owen was fascinated with touchable starfish exhibit.

Everyone loves "Claude" the albino alligator. He shares space with a snapping turtle.

Logan particularly loves nature so the aquarium was a big hit!

The jelly fish exhibit is visual stunning especially as the colored lights change.

I love the Sea Dragons! What an amazing and beautiful creature!

Growing up in Northern California I often visiting tide pools at low tide, looking for Sea Anemones. These exhibits were really beautiful!

"Watch out! There is a huge Alligator Gar swimming over your head!"

The yellow building at the upper right recreates the earth quake sensation of the 1989 & 1906 earthquakes. Visitors enter the exhibit to witness the power and history of San Francisco earthquakes. The shaking was a really a bit scary!

This aerial image, taken by the "Lawrence Captive Air Ship", shows some of the 1906 damage. Over 3000 died and the damage, mainly from the subsequent fires, was estimated to be 6.2 billion in 2016 dollars! My great grandfather had an art gallery and framing shop off Market Street. He moved everything by horse-drawn cart and ferries to a new location in Berkeley after the quake.

Time to stop for lunch! On sunny days it is nice to eat outside.

Logan looks at the 4 story enclosed tropical rain forest, home to plants, butterflies, and birds.

When you first enter the rain forest you can see the aquarium below.

"Papa,...look at that butterfly!"

They are in love!

A gorgeous gecko takes a break on bamboo.

Marla and the boys check out the living roof on the observation deck. We had a fabulous day at he California Academy of Sciences! If you love nature this should be a must visit while in San Francisco!

I hope you enjoyed our tour.

TRAVEL TIP: I like the parking garage at 10th & Fulton Street, north of the park. You can exit underground at the De Young Museum (Close to Japanese Tea Garden) or at the California Academy of Sciences.***Be sure to go early as it can be crowded on weekends and certain holiday periods. It opens at 9:30 AM Mon-Sat and 11 AM on Sundays. It closes all days at 5 PM.

1 comment
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I love the space here. I attended an amazing event here and I ate more than I should. I had bread pudding, apple crisp, waffles and strawberries and cream. The main floor at venues in San Francisco is very large and good size without being overwhelming, also there's tons of bar space too to order drinks.